Perfect Days

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've really been soaking up my summer days with my little lovelies.  We've had a bunch of really great, relaxing, fun days, and I'm sad that my free time with them is winding down and that before I know it, I'll have to head back to work.

But, seriously?  Perfect days have been had.  And I know that there's more to come...

Last week, we had a low-key Monday, but I took the kids to McDonald's for lunch because Jack really loves to play on their indoor playground.  That evening, I took the two of them to the pool for the first time by myself.  It wasn't easy!

Tuesday was Hannah's actual birthday, and we spent the morning at the park with our best friends before it got too hot.  We visited Grandma in the hospital (she just had knee replacement surgery and is doing very well!), and then I took them to a birthday lunch at On the Border.  While they did well, they were both sleepy and ready for naps.  After lunch, we went home, snoozed, and then went over to Grammy and Grampy's for dinner.  Poor Brad had to travel, but made it home in time to give Hannah bedtime kisses and the sweetest Swarovski ladybug you've ever seen:)

On Wednesday and Thursday the kids went to school during the day, but on Wednesday we evening, we had spaghetti dinner and then headed to the park to play.  It was the first time Miss Hannah explored the tunnels with her brother, and she had a blast.

I honestly can't remember what we did Thursday evening!

Friday was tons of fun though - we had an early morning play date with our best friends at the house, and then we went to Potbelly's for lunch and let the kids play on a nearby playground.  We came home for naps and then went to the pool together.  Such a good day...

Saturday was a lazy day around the house, but that night, Brad and I decided to take the kids to the mall.  We did a little shopping, ate dinner, let the kids play on the playground, and then rode the train.  We had such a good time, but I didn't really take any pictures.  I tried to take a little video of Hannah going down the slide, but the quality isn't that great...

Sunday afternoon we took the kiddos to the pool, and I had the best time playing in the water with both of our babies.  It's much easier to enjoy yourself when you aren't the only person responsible for their survival!  Brad took some great pictures while we were there...

Such a perfect weekend!

Yesterday the kids and I had another low-key Monday, but this time I took them to lunch at Burger King and let the two of them explore the tunnels there.  Even Hannah joined in the fun:)

I know this post was super-long, but I honestly couldn't have asked for a better week.  The one year birthday has made me super emotional as of late, and I just want to remember these great times with my little ones:)

Happy Birthday, Aunt Jessica!

We love you so much, and we're so excited about celebrating your birthday with you!

You have such a kind heart, and you're such a good aunt to a little nephew and niece that just couldn't love you more!

They are lucky to have you as their aunt, and I'm lucky to have such a great sister-in-law:)  I'm enjoying  how our relationship is growing as you plan your wedding, and I can't wait to be a part of your most special day!

We are so happy for you and Jimmy, and we hope you have the best birthday.  You deserve it!

Silent Sunday

{One Year Update Coming Soon!}

It's only been a week...

We had the family room painted a few days before Hannah's first birthday party.

Today, Jack scanned the room and announced, "I'm starting to like the house while it's yellow now."

Good thing, Kid.  Good thing.

Happy Birthday, Friend!

We just wanted to say Happy Birthday to a very special friend!

I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday and now - YOU'RE THREE!!!

You are such a good friend to both Jack and Hannah.  You have the biggest heart and are so good at sharing:)  You love Hannah just as much as you adore Jack (maybe even a tiny bit more!).  I'm so lucky to get to watch you grow and change, and I'm so happy that you and my little lovelies are close.  I hope it stays that way forever!

We love you!  Happy Birthday!

Hannah's Birthday Party

Last Friday night, we were very busy transforming the main level of our house into a party space for Hannah's first birthday party.  I'd been planning for awhile, and had settled on a Minnie Mouse party since Miss Hannah always gets excited when Mickey Mouse Clubhouse comes on TV.  I'd found the perfect party outfits for our guest of honor, along with some beautiful Minnie Mouse decorations.  We were all set!

On Saturday afternoon, we celebrated our tiniest tot with our immediate family and our closest friends.  The birthday girl had a blast, and I think she felt rather special.    

Hannah's birthday outfit

Hannah woke up right before her party and snuggled her lovey as party guests arrived

Party outfit #2 (minus the tutu) - post cake smash

Birthday bottle with Grampy

Hannah loved the birthday bear

Playing with Grammy and birthday balloons

Three little friends play with Hannah's new toys

Grampy

Hannah and Grandma

Coming through

Did you call me?

Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jess

Kimmee and Derek

Family photo

Happy girl with her balloons

Proud Papa

Carrying her new Minnie Mouse backpack around

Grandpa, Hannah, Grandma, and Jack

Carrying her "purse"

Birthday hugs from Hannah

We'd like to say a very special thank you to our family and friends for celebrating this very special, very emotional day with us.  It is amazing to have so many people around you who love your little ones almost as much as you do.  Our babies are very lucky:)

I'd also like to say a very special thank you to Rypie, my sister, who somehow evaded my camera and is not in the pictures above.  I really tried this time to take just as many pictures of the guests as I did the details (coming in a separate post).  I do love party details, but of course, I love our family and friends more!  Anyway, back to my sister...she ran around the morning of the party, buying flowers, lemons, and strawberries and picking up cake, balloons, and sandwiches.  I wouldn't host a single, successful party without her domestic help, and while I think she knows it, she deserves some accolades:)